United Way and FC Edmonton Join Efforts to ‘Kick Poverty’

EDMONTON, AB – United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and FC Edmonton Soccer Club are joining efforts to kick poverty as part of the 2013 Amway Canadian Championship Semi-Final Game, Wednesday, April 24, 2013. The goal is to send vulnerable youth and low income families to enjoy this professional nationally-televised soccer game that leads into the CONCACAF Champions League. Generous corporations and residents are invited to help meet the need by sponsoring youth to send to the game, or purchasing tickets and attending with their friends and family. In addition, FC Edmonton is donating $5 from each ticket sold to programs supported by United Way focused on providing positive social, intellectual, emotional and physical development for youth in our community.

“We are excited about these joint efforts”, stated Rod Proudfoot, General Manager, FC Edmonton.  “We know that poverty is a significant issue in the Alberta Capital Region and believe this will help shed additional light on the topic, and provide a positive environment for our community to enjoy a professional soccer game.” Tom Fath, owner of FC Edmonton, believes strongly in giving back to the community and supporting initiatives like this. Proudfoot goes on to say: “Giving back to the community is a primary reason why he became the FC Edmonton owner.”

The event will be nationally televised on Sportsnet. “What a wonderful way for the world to see how Edmonton and surrounding regions care about its community and neighbours,” stated Anne Smith, President & CEO, United Way Alberta Capital Region. “We’re hoping to fill the stands of Commonwealth with young soccer fans from all over the Capital Region, and raise needed funds in support of United Way.”

The April 24^th game is the first semi-final round in the four team series. FC Edmonton will play the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Commonwealth Stadium.

Ticket information:Meredith Bongers, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

                                    780-990-1000 or mbongers@myunitedway.com

Media Contact:        Nancy Critchley, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

                                    780-990-1000 or ncritchley@myunitedway.ca

Media Contact:        Andreas Morse, FC Edmonton

                                    587-987-3320 or amorse@fcedmonton.com

About FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton is committed to working with partners and stakeholders to use soccer as a means to strengthen our community through the passion and engagement of our youth in the ‘Beautiful Game.’

About United Way

United Way brings community members together to help lift people out of poverty and make the greatest impact possible on the most pressing social challenges in our community.